Local Man to Share Experiences Aiding Ukraine, Fundraise for New Vehicle

JEWETT – A Greene County man who has made multiple trips to Ukraine to provide hands-on assistance during the war will share his experiences and fundraise for future efforts on Saturday, June 7th. The event will take place at 3 p.m. in the St. John the Baptist Parish Hall on Ukraine Road in Jewett. 

Michael DiBenedetto is a retired biology teacher from the Fleischmanns area.  After witnessing so many children and schools being bombed in Ukraine, he felt compelled to help—thinking, “This could be my own children or grandchildren.”  

12.7 million people in Ukraine required humanitarian assistance in 2025, including nearly 2 million children. 

These figures underscore the profound human cost of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Though he previously had no ties to Ukraine, Michael has made several trips to the war front in eastern Ukraine bringing direct aid to the war front. He has personally delivered vehicles to support humanitarian efforts there. One of those was recently destroyed, and Michael is now raising funds to replace it.

The destruction of 260,000 civilian vehicles underscores the urgent need for ta transportation solutions to deliver aid, evacuate civilians and support recovery effort. 

Michael will share his powerful story, photographs, and video during a special prestation:

Parish Hall, John the Baptist Church, Ukraine Road, Jewett Saturday, June 7th at 3pm.

Michael’s goal is to raise between $3,000 and $4,000 as soon as possible to purchase and transport another vehicle to Ukraine.

We’ve all been deeply inspired by Michaels’s courage and compassion. His story reminds us of the resilience of the human spirit-and the impact one person can make.

There is a large and vital Ukrainian community on the mountaintop- our friends and neighbors-many with loved ones still in Ukraine, suffering the devasting effects of war.

This is our chance to stand with them.

Please come. Bring a friend. Spread the word. And help us make a difference.

During the event, Michael will give a brief talk and slide show, sharing photos and discussing his experiences in Ukraine. 

Donations are welcome, and those contributing $50 or more will receive a handmade blue and yellow crocheted heart, while supplies last. 

For further information, contact Jonathangross25@gmail.com or call 914-523-3766.